Laos’ airline revamps in bid to cast aside chequered past

VIENTIANE – The national carrier of tiny landlocked Laos is undergoing a dramatic revamp, leasing its first jet, changing its name and unveiling a new logo as it seeks to leave its chequered past behind. Formed when the communist government took power in 1975, Lao Aviation officially adopted its new name Lao Airlines on Wednesday…

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Thai government struggles with Myanmar policy after Suu Kyi detention

BANGKOK – Thailand’s government is struggling to adopt a coherent stance on Myanmar following its military-ruled neighbour’s detention of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi more than a month ago, analysts say. In a departure from his typical conciliatory tone, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra joined US President George W. Bush in issuing a strong…

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Thailand works to export anti-AIDS drug know-how to Africa

At less than a dollar a day, Thailand produces the world’s cheapest anti-AIDS drugs, but one woman is determined to give impoverished African countries the know-how to produce them even cheaper. Along with India and Brazil, Thailand has become a global pioneer in the production of generic anti-AIDS medicines, thanks largely to Dr. Krisana Kraisintu,…

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New Asian regional forum to launch amid scepticism of usefulness

Thirteen Asian foreign ministers are to gather Tuesday evening to launch the inaugural Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), a brainchild of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra that sceptics fear will prove to be just another regional talking shop. The Thai premier has invited foreign ministers from 17 other Asian countries to attend the dinner at his holiday…

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Thailand reflects on a decade of change after its Black May uprising

Ten years after Thailand’s military shocked the world by firing on thousands of unarmed protestors rallying against its usurpation of power, the country is reflecting on the days that tragically marked a coming-of-age for national democracy. Civil society groups have organised various talks and exhibitions to commemorate uprising’s anniversary, which will culminate with a candlelight…

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The business of relaxing

A designated, beautiful space for you to let your troubles evaporate, your stress dissolve. Treatments to relax and re-energise your tired, hard-worked body and mind, over the course of just a few hours. Welcome to the day spa concept: already wildly popular in places like the US and Singapore, Thailand has only recently caught the…

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Rehabilitating hope

The sun dips into the horizon over the ocean off Chonburi province, the water taking on muted hues of pinks and blues. It?s a tranquil and fitting backdrop to the reception at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club, being held to celebrate Omega?s donation of funds to the Royal Thai Navy?s coral rehabilitation project. The Navy…

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Sisters still doing it for themselves

While the participation rate of Thai women in the workforce is higher than average for the region, evidence shows that pay differentials between the sexes persist and various obstacles stand in the way of women getting ahead in their careers ? indeed relatively few Thai women hold significant decision-making positions in either politics, the civil…

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Taming Thailand’s Press

It was a test of strength for Thailand’s Constitution Court, formed under the country’s progressive 1997 constitution. One of the country’s most powerful politicians, Sanan Kachornprasart, was on trial, accused of falsely declaring his assets. Independent Television (iTV), the country’s first and only truly independent free-to-air channel, broadcast the live proceedings in full. On August…

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